Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/41

 Mahulena.—Now in truth, I have already forgotten.

Prija.—She is a ridiculous creature.

Runa.—Well, let her alone, and hear the news yourselves which has just reached us. Your father is extremely grieved by it; as you see, he is sad.

Ziva.—So it is sad news?

Runa.—For the Magurans, yes.

Mahulena (Aside).—For the Magurans, she says?

Runa.—That captive, that fair-haired prince of theirs, that Radúz, who has caused us so much anger—

Prija.—What of him?

Runa.—Is dead. He died suddenly.

Mahulena—Ah!

Stojmir (In a low voice)—O Runa, thou hast killed her! Mahulena! (He supports her.)

Runa.—Why dost thou grow pale, child, and why dost thou totter?

Ziva.—She is dead She scarcely breathes!

Prija.—Her eyes are fixed She is mute as a stone.

Runa (In a low voice to ).—Is her muteness eloquent enough?

Stojmír.—Poor maiden’s heart! Mahulena, seat thyself. Dost thou feel better?

Mahulena (Seating herself on the margin of the water basin).—Is this a terrible dream?

Runa (In a low voice to ).—Wouldst thou have a farther test?

Stojmír (Also in a low voice).—Torture her not! But with him—do as thou desirest (Goes out.)

Runa.—Ziva, Prija, follow your father, or go to the tower, if you so desire. But what I told you a moment ago, that was but a jest. That prince is well. I merely for your amusement devised a story. Thou art too compassionate, Mahulena, since thou canst so quickly feel alarm. And now again thou weepest!

Mahulena.—When I heard of death so suddenly—

Runa.—Well, thou art young and fearest death like a child Do but recover thyself You two depart; I will remain with Mahulena, she still trembles all over. ( and go out.) Dost thou already feel better?

Mahulena.—I do. Thou art kind, mother, I thank thee.

Runa.—Why so frightened! What carest thou for that